Across South Carolina

By From Wire Reports

Father who killed girl avoids more charges

YORK - A Rock Hill man won't face trial on four remaining charges after he was convicted of raping and killing his 12-year-old daughter.

On Friday, prosecutors dropped two rape and two child-neglect charges against Billy Wayne Cope because his life-plus-30-year sentence gives him no chance for parole, deputy prosecutor Kevin Brackett said.

Prosecutors worked on the case of Amanda Cope's death for three years.

She was found dead in her bed at the Cope family's home Nov. 29, 2001.

Jim Morton, Mr. Cope's lead lawyer, said he was not told the charges would be dropped. He said Mr. Cope would continue to appeal his conviction.

Mother charged with abuse in child's death

WALHALLA - The mother of a 4-year-old boy authorities say was beaten to death has been arrested and charged with homicide by child abuse along with her live-in boyfriend.

Joyce Lynn Veal, 28, knew of the abuse at the home and did nothing, the Oconee County sheriff's office said.